A young student from a Liverpool city centre-based performing arts school & charity, Rare Studio, has been awarded a full scholarship at the prestigious Broadway Dance Centre in New York City.

Originally from Rotherham but with a father from Liverpool, Megan Bowers joined Rare Studio in September 2013 and has since gained recognition for being one of the hardest working young performers in the city region. Megan has achieved critical acclaim for her raw talent, positive determination, tireless work ethic and her unique ability to motivate fellow performers through gruelling rehearsal schedules and during large-scale productions.

In 18 months Megan has taken just 2 days out of studying due to severe illness, on both occasions having to be forcibly removed from the studio by her principals as a result of her sheer resilience!

The aspiring professional dancer will head out to New York in December 2015 to enrol at the internationally renowned destination for dance education, Broadway Dance Centre (BDC). Established in 1984, BDC has earned a reputation in the global dance community as a beacon of excellence, celebrated for its unparalleled faculty and plethora of disciplines under one roof.

Megan Bowers comments on the moment her New York scholarship was announced:

“Thank you is just not enough. I am in complete shock. My biggest dream has come true, Rare Studio is my life and I will not let them down. I will be shouting about Rare from the rooftops of New York and representing my adopted city wherever I may go!”

Rare Studio was fortunate enough to receive a substantial personal donation from Liverpool businessman Mark Furness of award-winning global leaders in business IT ‘essensys’, which earlier this year celebrated ranking as Inc. 5000’s 2nd fastest growing private IT company in the UK.

Mark’s success since founding essensys in 2006 has influenced a return to his roots, joining city business leaders Iliad Group in supporting Rare Studio on forging cultural partnerships.

Mark Furness, chief executive officer at essensys, voices his keen support for Rare Studio:

“Lindsay and Michelle’s commitment to developing talent in the region by providing an exceptional environment for performing arts training is truly inspiring. Irrespective of their circumstances, gifted young artists are supported to ensure they have the opportunity to realise their full potential and fulfil their dreams of a career in the performing arts. It is a privilege to be involved with Rare Studio, an organisation that is demonstrably shaping the future for some of our most outstanding young talent. Finally a huge well-done to Megan for proving passion, dedication and hard work pays off!”

Michelle Faulkner, co-founder & director at Rare Studio thanks private sector business leaders for the support shown:

“Four years ago Lindsay (Inglesby, co-founder) and I established Rare with the vision of transforming the way in which multi-platform performing arts education is provided to young people in the region. We were determined to not let those with outstanding potential fall through the loop due to personal financial circumstances. Our ethos is that if you can’t pay, you don’t pay and that will never change. We would like to thank Iliad for their ongoing support. Mark’s recent donation has done nothing short of change somebody’s life.”

Ryan Cullen, communications manager at Iliad Group explains their support for Rare Studio’s New York expansion:

“We are delighted to be a part of Rare Studio’s ambitious vision, and have fully encouraged and supported the organisation to explore opportunities in New York – the city that never sleeps. At Iliad, we appreciate the positive ethos at Rare Studio and their commitment to providing quality tuition at an affordable price for all, and are excited to be assisting with spreading the word and helping them to grow internationally.”